Piano Lessons in Kingstowne, VA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

It is very important for the music instructor to learn the nature and characteristics of his/her students. It is crucial that the teacher can make adjustments to teach according to the nature of their students, some students can learn really fast and may have a desire to be pushed harder, but many students are either normal or may require a longer time to digest the material. I encourage students to practice in order to help their progress and I always model for students in the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I feel that my job as a teacher is to facilite my students' indivual growth and development as they make their own way along their musical paths in life.  My happiness comes from watching my students gain more confidence after reaching goals that they set for themselves in our sessions.  It's important to me that everyone feels good about themselves which is why I started a 'Student Spotlight' newsletter to highlight accomplishments such as completing a book or performing with the school orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Music

Everyone learns at their own pace. I want every student to make sure they are comftable with all information each week that is being introduced to them. Music should be fun and a way to express yourself. With that being said, every student has different methods that helps them learn material and I don’t want anyone to feel discouraged if they are not understanding at the same speeds as others they may know. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For students just starting out the focus is always on the fundamentals. Hal Leonard has some great Essential Elements books. When students show progress with these types of instruction manuals we'll usually jump to specific pieces of music that focus on the elements that we learned about in our method books. Lessons are tailored to the student and his or her needs and goals. All students aren't shooting to play at Carnegie Hall or tour the World. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa started teaching during her senior year of college when she took her first vocal pedagogy course. Teaching has been an important part of her schedule ever since. Over the years, she has taught privately, through various community schools, through several national companies, and she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Illinois State University for two years. Thus, she has experience teaching all ages and skill levels. Her students have ranged from beginners to university music majors, from age 3 to age 72. Read More